Oh, to be a kid again, I remember elementary school like it was yesterday. Play tag, four-square, hop scotch and tackle football. What a girl who plays tackle football! I know, I know, it's a little unorthodox, but I was the best defender St. Francis Cabrini had that year, way back in 1982. Things have changed since then, some games can no longer be played due to injuries, such as tag or tackle football, and other games are considered bullying, such as dodging. These are just some of the reasons why school districts across the United States are starting to explore the idea that perhaps recess should be eliminated altogether. According to the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, it was passed to ensure that all children receive the same education regardless of economic background, to hold teachers accountable for how and what they teach, and to highlight low test scores in math and reading . The National Association of Early Childhood Specialists in State Departments of Education (NAECS/SDE) says nearly forty percent of the nation's 16,000 school districts have modified, eliminated, or are considering eliminating holidays. These school districts are even changing construction plans to build schools without playgrounds. Supporters believe that following the No Child Left Behind Act requires the elimination of recess so we can absorb as much learning as possible, focusing on those areas where we lack the most. Experts believe that recess is important for our children, it helps them develop social skills, teaches them to share, helps decrease inappropriate behaviors both inside and outside the classroom, helps build muscle strength, improves self-esteem and confidence. At…halfway through the article…scientists researching creativity, “People vary in terms of their level of creative drive depending on the activity of the limbic system’s dopamine pathways.” The more dopamine is released, the more creative we are. Next is a distraction, says Harvard researcher Carson: “In other words, a distraction can provide the pause needed to free oneself from a fixation on the ineffective solution.” Dopamine plus a distraction can cause a relaxed state. “A relaxed state of mind that is absolutely important for being creative,” says John Lehrer. The choice is clear. We can continue to live in a world where everyone believes there is only one way to get ahead: work, work and work some more. As history has shown us, when we put the greed of one before the concern of others, we end up with many people who have sacrificed happiness, limbs and lives..